The Morning Is Graying

The morning is graying and long is my way,
     I want your clear light, Holy Spirit.
You melt away gloom and you brighten the day.
     I need your near presence, my helper and guide.
You open my eyes to the path of the wise.
     Direct me today, Holy Spirit.
You lead me through peril to God's Paradise.
     I need your near presence, my helper and guide.

The map that I carry will show me my course.
     From you came God’s Word, Holy Spirit.
To know what it means I must look to its source.
     I need your instruction, my teacher divine.
God’s Word is profound and in hard language styled.
     Explain it to me, Holy Spirit.
For your still small voice makes it plain to a child.
     I need your instruction, my teacher divine.

Sometimes as I'm walking sin beckons to me.
     I want your stern voice, Holy Spirit.
I leave the right path and sink down to my knee.
     I need your correction, my Counselor, God.
You make my heart heavy with sorrow for sin.
     O help me repent, Holy Spirit.
For when I look upward, you lift me again.
     I need your correction, my Counselor, God.

The path that I take is not easy or straight.
     I want your kind touch, Holy Spirit.
I meet many troubles and feel the world's hate.
     I need your assurance, my Comforter, friend.
You speak soothing words full of promises sweet.
     O dry all my tears, Holy Spirit.
Then hope makes me sing, and my joy is complete.
     I need your assurance, my Comforter, friend.

Sometimes I climb mountains or swim waters deep.
     I want your strong hand, Holy Spirit.
A lion would falter, but I'm just a sheep.
     I need your enabling, my fountain of life.
You fill me with power; in your strength I trust.
     O help me to serve, Holy Spirit.
So I can accomplish whatever I must.
     I need your enabling, my fountain of life.


2008